Your Views for December 7

Looking for answers

As a 70-year-old, recovering from wrist surgery here in Hilo, I was told by several doctors and medical professionals not go to swimming, especially in the ocean water near Hilo.

I have heard fecal coliform counts are an issue. Also, to what extent are toxic chemical wastes released into the harbor contaminating the lava pool beaches outside the jetty? And what about the cruise ships? Who monitors their discharges, both into the air and into the water?

I would like to hear from policymakers, elected officials and county employees about these very critical situations.

And why are single-use plastic bottles still legal to sell? Do you realize the tremendous number of single-use Mylar balloons found floating in the oceans of the world? Ban them if for no other reason than sea turtles devour them thinking they are jellyfish.

Gary Harrold

Hilo

Christmas for all

Regarding the political cartoon of your Dec. 4 edition, indicating that American atheists lack heart because Christmas may not be meaningful to them.

Is belief in the Christmas story a prerequisite to having a kind heart? Am I to assume that Buddhists, Hindus, or anyone that is not Christian have hearts that are somehow defective in compassion and warmth?

L. C. Callicoatt

Keaau

Traffic woes

As a former resident of Honolulu, born and raised, and now living on the Big Island since 2008, I can understand the frustration of Honolulu motorists on the congested streets, highways and freeways, morning and afternoon rush hour, dealing with closed lanes during road construction, road closures during auto fatality investigations, and so on.

Based on population per square mile, Honolulu is the 13th-largest city in the U.S. Also, what does Honolulu have in common with San Francisco, L.A. and New York? Always in the top four cities in the U.S. for the worst traffic congestion.

Honolulu’s population and traffic problems will never go away. It is a way of life; accept it.

Rick LaMontagne

Volcano

For all to enjoy

Even the most fundamentalist of Christians should acknowledge that the political cartoon (Dec. 4, Tribune-Herald) was disgustingly nasty and inappropriate.

Recall it depicted a man represented to be “American Atheists, Inc.” who was smashing a group of angelic figurines. Behind them was a sign that said Merry Christmas.

Historically, early Christians assembled some pagan rites and adopted them into ceremonies to celebrate the birth of their own Savior on December 25th.

In addition to its religious connotations today, Christmas has morphed into a buying frenzy in big box stores for gift bargains. The nice part of the season is family get-togethers and the loving exchange of these bargain-scored gifts. The result is an even merrier corporate America.

Unfortunately, current demographics show that the number of church-goers is on the wane. Recent Pew polls show a rise in the number of Americans who eschew a relationship with a personal god. But I, for one, enjoy this season of joy, good will, family, and receiving and giving of presents.

But there are growing numbers who join me in not buying into the various dogmas found in the Christian religion. Of course, I respect the choices of those who do.

Most nonbelievers are just that — and nothing else. Our usual appearance and demeanor reflect that we’re just folks like you. I would convert to Christianity tomorrow if presented with solid evidence that the Biblical stories, quotations and edicts were proven to be accurate and true.

But without such evidence, my stance is to wait and see.

So I say to you, believers: I know your beliefs bring you comfort and a joyful, social togetherness with like-minded friends who share your supernatural beliefs. But believers have no right to bash those without such beliefs. Nor do nonbelievers have a right to bash you for your stance.

Let’s all enjoy the season for whatever it means to us.

Don Bremer

Keaau